Kerri Burns, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, described news that nearby Sallys Flat was one of six sites shortlisted for Australia’s first permanent nuclear waste dump for low-level and intermediate waste as “ridiculous”.

“We fought an army base coming to the area in 1982 and we will fight this,” she said.

“Just like then, they have leaked this information to see who jumps up and down the most.

“We rely on tourism for our survival.

“The businesses that employ people here rely on tourism and this is not going to help them, or us.”

Ms Burns also cited concerns about transporting nuclear waste via the roads in the area.

“You came via the road and saw what it was like,” she said.

“It would be much safer to take the waste to Adelaide and put it on the rail to a remote location.

“Here the only way in is by road.”

Several residents said transport issues were the reason a wind farm project at nearby Crudine did not go ahead.

Jack Thorburn, who moved to the area from the south coast two years ago, said he was concerned about the condition of the roads as well as groundwater and general environmental issues.

Farmer David Campbell, who has lived in Hill End all his life, shared Mr Thorburn’s concerns about the environment.

“If there is a spill or leak, it would poison Green Valley Creek, which runs into Pyramul Creek before entering the Macquarie River and Burrendong Dam,” he said.

“This would affect Wellington, Dubbo and all the way out to the Macquarie Marshes, so it should worry all of us.

“Dumping the waste in the desert is a better alternative.”